IT could be said that Richard Cook was born of the wrong generation as he travels the country with his horse to plough, harrow, bracken roll or move timber.

But the traditional way of life is now looking like making a comeback and, along with it, the mastery of farming horsemanship.

The pulling power of Richard’s 15hh heavy horse Griffin means he can go where no motorised machinery can, and will walk unperturbed through six foot high bracken on sloping hills to flatten everything in his path.

Fifty years ago, Griffin would have been part of the one-million-horse workforce used on agricultural land around the country but, today, his type are few and far between, mainly confined to the show classes held at country fairs.

However, his work on heathlands has made him an indispensable asset to conservationists who need to clear common and grassland to help preserve the environmental heritage.

Richard, aged 41, of Bartestree, has a farm with a livery yard and has handled horses all his life. He worked as a ploughman for 10 years, taking part in many competitions over the years – so this unconventional lifestyle was a natural career choice for him.

Working for professional horse-logger and qualified trainer Doug Joiner, of Hereford, Richard and Griffin will often be away from home for weeks at a time, living close to the land they till from dawn to dusk.

“Griffin and I can be in a remote part of the country for weeks. We travel to places like the Gower in Wales where we have to bruise the bracken to make room for heathers. I will live in the horsebox by the cliff edge close to the coastline,” he said.

“I love the work, close to the ground and we work at a pace where I can see nature – the moles, field mice and all the smaller creatures I’d never see if I was driving a tractor.

“It is physical and hard work for both of us and after a day’s work I take Griffin down to the water to bathe his feet. He really enjoys it.”

Although Griffin puts in a fair share of the partnership, Richard, in fact, works longer hours.

The lifestyle is more demanding on Richard and before the day starts for Griffin, Richard has to load and drive his partner for sometimes three or four hours before reaching the job.

On arrival, while Griffin is tethered and enjoying breakfast, Richard must sort out the harness and prepare tack ready for the job. Often during the day, while Griffin has his breaks, Richard again gets on with other preparations.

Richard and Griffin also harrow and plough and pull timber.

“Training Griffin to the harness was a slow process. You have to do it little by little. His training started with him pulling a tyre and then he was introduced to the noise of a tin can being pulled on a rope.

“As it progressed, he was attached to a dray and he had to learn to stand between harness shafts.

“It was small stepping stones all the way but now I have a horse who is confident in me so that he does all that I ask of him – which is important when dealing with half a ton of animal.

“A horse the size of Griffin can pull two tons of timber,” he said.

Contact Richard on 01432 850304 or 07774 253717.